High retention force optical coupling

ABSTRACT

A telecommunication enclosure ( 400 ) is described herein wherein the telecommunications enclosure ( 400 ) is configured for making an external optical connection. The enclosure includes a base ( 410 ) having at least one port ( 420 ) having an integral exterior section ( 421 ) disposed around the port ( 420 ) outside of the enclosure ( 400 ) and an optical coupling ( 450 ) disposed at least partially within the port ( 420 ). The optical coupling ( 450 ) has a first connector housing ( 455 ) disposed within the exterior section of the port ( 420 ) and a second connector housing ( 465 ) disposed within the interior of the telecommunication enclosure ( 400 ). In an exemplary aspect, the optical coupling ( 450 ) is secured directly within the port ( 420 ) of the telecommunication enclosure ( 400 ).

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to telecommunication enclosure configuredfor external connectivity. Specifically, the exemplary telecommunicationenclosure includes an optical coupling mounted directly in the port ofthe telecommunication enclosure.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Telecommunication cables are ubiquitous and used for distributing allmanner of data across vast networks. The majority of cables areelectrically conductive cables (typically copper), although the use ofoptical fiber cables is growing rapidly in telecommunication systems aslarger and larger amounts of data are transmitted. Additionally, as datatransmissions increase, the fiber optic network is being extended closerto the end user which can be a premises, business, or a privateresidence.

As telecommunication cables are routed across data networks, it isnecessary to periodically open the cable so that one or moretelecommunication lines therein may be spliced or otherwise connected toother cables or “branches” and to be distributed across thetelecommunication network. At each point where a telecommunication cableis opened, it is necessary to provide a telecommunication enclosure toprotect the exposed interior of the cable. The cable branches may befurther distributed until the network reaches individual homes,businesses, offices, and so on. These networks are often referred to asfiber to the X (FTTX) networks which can include fiber to the premise(FTTP), fiber to the home (FTTH) and fiber to the antenna (FTTA)networks.

Fiber terminals are one type of telecommunication enclosure that istypically located near an end user in a FTTP network to distribute thefinal service to the end user. Typical fiber terminals are designed todrop services (to provide service connections) to a small number ofpremises having typically between four to twelve end users. The lastservice connection from the fiber terminal is made to an optical networkterminal (ONT), located at the end user, using a drop cable. Typically,an optical connector attached to the terminal end of an optical fiber ofthe cable is preferred to allow quick, reliable field installation.

There are two basic methods of introducing an optical fiber into atelecommunication or enclosure. In the first method, the cable passesthrough an inlet device fitted into a port of the telecommunicationenclosure. The optical connection interface is made within the enclosureby either an optical connector or an optical splice. Conventionalwatertight optical inlet devices are described in U.S. Pat. Nos.6,487,344 and 8,313,250, which can be inserted into a port so that atelecommunication cable can pass through the wall and into the interiorof a telecommunication enclosure.

The second method is to provide a weatherproof optical connectioninterface in or near a wall of the telecommunication enclosure using asealed hardened connector that is factory mounted on the terminal end ofan optical fiber cable and mating receptacle mounted within a port or inthe wall of the telecommunication enclosure, such as described in U.S.Pat. Nos. 6,648,520; 7,090,406; and 6,579,014. Generally, the receptaclein this conventional connector/receptacle system is attached directly tothe wall of the enclosure so that the external connection point extendsfrom the port and is exposed to the outdoor environment. In addition,this connector/receptacle system requires environmental sealing betweenthe receptacle and the port of a telecommunication enclosure and betweenthe connector and the receptacle.

A field mountable sealed connector having a connection interfacedisposed within an interior portion of a telecommunication enclosure isdescribed in Patent Cooperation Treaty Publication No. WO 2013/106183.

Due to the rugged handling of drop cables which utilize these hardenedconnectors, a need exists for enhanced pull strength without having torely on a threaded connection between the hardened connector and itsmating receptacle. The size of the mating receptacle limits the portdensity that can be achieved with conventional ruggedized optical fiberconnectors. Thus, there is an increased desire for a higher port densityin a telecommunication enclosure than can be achieved with conventionalruggedized connectors. In addition, there is a need to provide aruggedized field mountable fiber optic connector that allows thecraftsman to customize the length of the drop cable for a particularnetwork installation while maintaining the environmental protection ofthe telecommunication enclosure.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A telecommunication enclosure is described herein wherein thetelecommunications enclosure is configured for making an externaloptical connection. The enclosure includes a base having at least oneport having an integral exterior section disposed around the portoutside of the enclosure and an optical coupling disposed at leastpartially within the port. The optical coupling has a first connectorhousing disposed within the exterior section of the port and a secondconnector housing disposed within the interior of the telecommunicationenclosure. In an exemplary aspect, the optical coupling is secureddirectly within the port of the telecommunication enclosure.

In contrast, conventional ruggedized receptacles are most frequentlymounted with the exterior portion of the receptacle accessible forconnection of a conventional ruggedized connector via a threaded collar.The port structure (i.e. the exterior section of the port) of theexemplary enclosure protects the point of connection between the opticalcoupling and the exemplary connector described herein.

In addition, the optical couplings described herein provide a simplerstructure than the conventional ruggedized receptacles and allow for ahigher port density in the enclosure due to the compact size of theexemplary optical couplings.

In an exemplary embodiment, an optical coupling is disclosed that isconfigured to be inserted into a port of a telecommunication enclosure.The optical coupling includes a first connector housing configured toaccept a first optical fiber connector, a second connector housingconfigured to accept a second optical fiber connector, and an alignmentsleeve extending between the first and second housings along a centralaxis of the optical coupling. The first connector housing has twowindows formed on opposite sides of the first connector housing that areconfigured to mate with engagement features of the first opticalconnector when the first optical connector is inserted into the opticalcoupling.

In an alternative embodiment, an optical coupling is disclosed that hasenhanced retention characteristics. The optical coupling has a firstconnector housing configured to accept a first optical fiber connector,a second connector housing configured to accept a second optical fiberconnector; and an alignment sleeve extending between the first andsecond housings along a central axis of the optical coupling. At leastone of the first connector housing and the second connector housingprovides four interconnection points with at least one of the firstoptical fiber connector and the second optical fiber connector. Theexemplary modified optical coupling is configured to be placed in theport of a telecommunications enclosure.

The above summary of the present invention is not intended to describeeach illustrated embodiment or every implementation of the presentinvention. The figures and the detailed description that follows moreparticularly exemplify these embodiments.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present invention will be further described with reference to theaccompanying drawings, wherein:

FIGS. 1A-1C show three views of a first embodiment of an exemplaryoptical fiber connector according to an aspect of the present invention;

FIGS. 2A-2C show three detail views of an exemplary assembly base of theoptical connector of FIGS. 1A-1C;

FIGS. 3A-3C show three detail views of an exemplary strain reliefassembly of the optical connector of FIGS. 1A-1C;

FIG. 4A shows the exemplary optical fiber connector of FIGS. 1A-1Cinstalled in the port of a telecommunication enclosure;

FIGS. 4B-4C illustrate a release mechanism of the exemplary opticalfiber connector of FIGS. 1A-1C from the port of a telecommunicationenclosure;

FIGS. 5A-5C show three views of a modified coupling usable with anexemplary optical fiber connector according to an aspect of the presentinvention;

FIGS. 6A-6C show three views of a second embodiment of an exemplaryoptical fiber connector according to an aspect of the present invention;

FIGS. 7A-7C show three detail views of the assembly base of the opticalconnector of FIGS. 6A-6C;

FIG. 8 is a sectional isometric view of the release portion of theoptical connector of FIGS. 6A-6C;

FIGS. 9A-9B show two views of an exemplary outer housing of the opticalconnector of FIGS. 6A-6C;

FIG. 10A shows the exemplary optical fiber connector of FIGS. 6A-6Cinstalled in the port of a telecommunication enclosure;

FIGS. 10B-10C illustrate a release mechanism of the exemplary opticalfiber connector of FIGS. 6A-6C from the port of a telecommunicationenclosure;

FIGS. 11A-11C show three views of a third embodiment of an exemplaryoptical fiber connector according to an aspect of the present invention;

FIGS. 12A-12B show two views of another modified coupling usable with anexemplary optical fiber connector according to an aspect of the presentinvention;

FIGS. 13A-13B show two views of the modified coupling of FIGS. 12A-12Bdisposed within a port of a telecommunication enclosure;

FIGS. 14A-14C show three views of a fourth embodiment of an exemplaryoptical fiber connector according to an aspect of the present invention;

FIGS. 15A-15B show two views of an alternative strain relief assemblyusable with the exemplary optical fiber connectors in accordance with anaspect of the invention;

FIGS. 16A-6C show three views of another modified coupling usable withan exemplary optical fiber connector according to an aspect of thepresent invention;

FIGS. 17A-17C show three views of a second embodiment of an exemplaryoptical fiber connector according to an aspect of the present invention;and

FIG. 18 is an isometric end view of the release portion of the opticalconnector of FIGS. 17A-17C.

While the invention is amenable to various modifications and alternativeforms, specifics thereof have been shown by way of example in thedrawings and will be described in detail. It should be understood,however, that the intention is not to limit the invention to theparticular embodiments described. On the contrary, the intention is tocover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling withinthe scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments,reference is made to the accompanying drawings, which illustratespecific embodiments in which the invention may be practiced. Theillustrated embodiments are not intended to be exhaustive of allembodiments according to the invention. It is to be understood thatother embodiments may be utilized and structural or logical changes maybe made without departing from the scope of the present invention. Thefollowing detailed description, therefore, is not to be taken in alimiting sense, and the scope of the present invention is defined by theappended claims.

Exemplary embodiments herein provide an optical fiber connector for usein telecommunication enclosures. Specifically, the exemplary opticalfiber connector can be plugged into an optical connector adapter througha port of the telecommunication enclosure. Particular advantages of thedesign of the present optical fiber connector include a lower cost thanconventional hardened connectors which require a specialized matingreceptacle. In addition, the exemplary optical fiber connector, asdescribed herein, can be either field installable or factoryinstallable. The small size of the exemplary optical fiber connectorallows more connections to be made in a similarly sizedtelecommunication enclosure as a result of a higher port density whencompared to conventional ruggedized connector systems. In addition, theexemplary optical fiber connector can be easier to handle and faster toinstall into a telecommunication enclosure than some conventionalruggedized connectors which require that the connector be screwed into aspecialized receptacle in the port of a telecommunication enclosure.

The exemplary fiber optic connector can be used in FTTx optical fibernetworks. In one exemplary aspect, the exemplary optical fiber connectorcan be used to connect an end user to a remote fiber terminal in a fiberto the premise network. In another aspect of the invention, theexemplary fiber optic connector can be used to connect an antenna on acellular tower or other installation to equipment in a base stationlocated at the foot of the tower or an equipment cabinet, enclosure orcloset.

In one embodiment, the exemplary optical fiber connector can be insertedfrom outside of the telecommunication enclosure to provide an opticalconnection interface proximate to the wall of the enclosure or withinthe port of the enclosure. Depending on the communication networkarchitecture, the telecommunication enclosure may be a buried closure,an aerial closure or terminal, a fiber distribution hub or an opticalnetwork terminal in the outside plant or a wall mount communication box,a fiber distribution hub, a wall mount patch panel, or an opticalnetwork terminal in premise applications. The exemplary fiber opticconnector can provide an environmental seal when installed in a port ofa telecommunications enclosure. By providing an environmental seal, theinlet device can be designed to provide a watertight or water resistantseal and/or to prevent dust, bugs or any other foreign substance fromentering the enclosure.

In one exemplary embodiment (see e.g. FIGS. 1A and 1B), thetelecommunication cable can be a fiber optic cable 50. The fiber opticcable can include a semi-rigid outer sheath or jacket 52 surrounding atleast one optical fiber 54 and can include one or more strength members(not shown). Each optical fiber has a polymeric coating 55 thatsurrounds and protects the glass fiber 56. Examples of exemplary opticalfiber cables include ResiLink ADF™ All-Dielectric Flat Drop Cableavailable from Pirelli Cables and Systems (Columbia, N.C.) or EZ DROPcable from Draka (Claremont, N.C.), fiber reinforced plastic (FRP)optical cable available from Shenzhen SDG Information Company, Ltd.(Shenzhen, China), SE*-LW* FTTH All Purpose Optical Drop Cables and SE-8PureAccess™ Single Mode Optical Fiber each of which is available fromSumitomo Electric (Research Triangle Park, N.C.), Mini DP Flat DropCable available from OFS (Northcross, Ga.). The strength members may beeither semi-rigid rods or a collection of loose fibers or floss, e.g.made of aramid fibers or glass.

In an alternative aspect, the telecommunication cable can be anelectrical cable in which case the connection portion of the exemplaryconnector will be an appropriate style of electrical connector such asan RJ-style plug connector, a USB connector or a coaxial connector, forexample. While in another aspect, the telecommunication cable can be ahybrid cable having both electrical and optical conductors in which casethe connection portion of the exemplary connector will be an appropriatehybrid connector.

FIGS. 1A-1C show three views of an exemplary optical fiber connector100. Optical fiber connector 100 includes an assembly base 110 having afirst end 111 and a second end 112, a strain relief assembly 150attachable to the second end of the assembly base and an opticalconnection portion 160 having a ferrule 166 disposed therein thatdefines an optical connection interface attachable to the first end ofthe assembly base. The strain relief assembly anchors an internalsealing member 170 between the strain relief assembly and the second endof the assembly base to provide an environmental seal between theoptical fiber connector 100 and the telecommunications cable 50 to whichit is connected. Optical fiber connector also includes at least oneengagement feature to secure the optical fiber connector within a portof a telecommunication enclosure. Optical fiber connector 100 may beformed of plastic by conventional methods, for example by injectionmolding.

Referring to FIGS. 2A-2C, assembly base 110 includes a body portion 120having a first end 121 and a second end 122, a release portion 130disposed near the first end of the body portion and an activationportion 140 disposed near the second end of the body portion. Therelease portion defines a release mechanism which moves the releaseportion relative to the body portion to disengage at least oneengagement feature of the optical fiber connector when the releaseportion moves with respect to the body portion so that the optical fiberconnector can be removed from the port of the telecommunicationenclosure. FIG. 2A shows an exploded view of assembly base 110. FIG. 2Bis a partially assembled view of assembly base 110, and FIG. 2C is afully assembled view of assembly base 110.

The body portion 120 may be generally cylindrical in shape and includesan interior passageway 123 that extends along the length of the bodyportion from the first end 121 to the second end 122 of the bodyportion. The body portion includes a passage entry at the first end ofthe interior passageway and a passage exit 125 at the second end of theinterior passageway 123 that may be configured to accommodate certaincategories of telecommunication cables including single fiber dropcables and/or multi-fiber cables.

The passage entry at the first end 121 of the interior passageway 123 isconfigured to accept and secure optical connection portion 160 to/in thefirst end 121 of the body portion 120. As such, the passage entry can beshaped to closely conform to an outer perimeter portion of the opticalconnection portion. In one aspect, the optical connection portion can besecured to the first end of the assembly base such that at least aportion of the optical connection portion is disposed within theinterior passageway of the body portion.

The body portion 120 can have a groove 127 formed in the externalsurface of the body portion to receive an intermediate sealing member173. In the exemplary aspect shown in FIG. 2A, groove 127 is formed nearthe first end 121 of body portion and configured to receive anintermediate sealing member, such as an o-ring. This intermediatesealing member can provide an environmental seal between the bodyportion and release portion 130 of assembly base 110.

The body portion 120 can have an external connection portion 128adjacent to the second end 122 of the body portion. In the exemplaryaspect shown in FIG. 2A, external connection portion 128 includes atleast one bayonet channel 128 a that cooperates with at least oneinternal peg 151 e (shown in FIG. 3C) disposed within a first opening151 c at the first end 151 a of strain relief assembly 150. In theexemplary embodiment of optical fiber connector 100, the body portioncan include two bayonet channels disposed on opposite sides of the bodyportion and strain relief assembly 150 can have two internal pegs thatare configured to engage with the bayonet channels formed in the bodyportion. Thus, the strain relief assembly (having the internal sealingmember 170 disposed therein) can be slid over the second end of the bodyportion and rotated to secure the strain relief assembly to the bodyportion as the internal pegs in the strain relief assembly ride in thebayonet channels formed in the body portion. The internal sealing memberis compressed longitudinally between the strain relief assembly and thesecond end of the body portion as shown in FIG. 1B.

Utilizing a bayonet style securing mechanism to attach the strain reliefassembly to the assembly base can be advantageous in reducing torsionalstresses applied to the telecommunication cable when the strain reliefassembly is secured to the body portion of the exemplary optical fiberconnector. In addition, the bayonet style securing mechanism offers theadvantage of having a defined stop at the end of the engaging motion(i.e. the ends of bayonet channel 128 a) as opposed to a threadedconnection which does not have a defined stop and can be over or undertightened resulting potential inferior environmental protection betweenthe cable and optical fiber connector 100.

In an alternative aspect, the external connection can comprise anexternal thread that engages with an internal thread in the strainrelief assembly or can comprise mechanical interlocking structure thatengage with corresponding features within the strain relief assemblysuch that the strain relief assembly is secured to the second end of theassembly base by an interference fit. In the case of a threadedconnection mechanism it can be advantageous to add a stop so that thestrain relief device cannot be over tightened onto the assembly base.

Body portion 120 can include a shoulder 120 a formed in its externalsurface. The shoulder serves as a transition point from a first diameterat the first end 121 of the body portion to a second diameter at thesecond end 122 of the body portion. In the exemplary aspect shown inFIGS. 2A-2B, the first diameter at the first end is larger than thesecond diameter at the second end. The body portion having the smallersecond diameter defines a reduced diameter section 120 b between thesecond end and shoulder 120 a. The activation portion 140 can be slidover the second end of body portion 120 such that the activation portionis disposed over reduced diameter section 120 b as shown in FIG. 2B suchthat the outer surface of the activation portion and the body portionbetween the shoulder and the first end are substantially coplanar. Thereduced diameter section can be slightly smaller than the internaldiameter of the bore 143 through the activation portion such that theactivation portion is free to move (i.e. rotate) relative to the reduceddiameter section and shoulder 120 a serves as a stop to limit the travelrange of the activation portion. The external surface of reduceddiameter section and the internal surface of the bore through theactivation portion can be smooth so that the activation portion can slipover the reduced diameter section of the body portion to actuate therelease portion 130. In an alternative aspect, the external surface ofreduced diameter section and the internal surface of the bore throughthe activation portion can be threaded so that the activation portioncan be rotated in a helical manner to actuate the release portion. Whilein another exemplary aspect, the external surface of reduced diametersection and the internal surface of the bore through the activationportion can be textured to provide an audible clicking as the activationportion is turned during activation of the release portion.

Body portion 120 can further include one or more engagement features 129formed on and extending from the outer surface of the body portionbetween groove 127 and connection portion 128. The engagement featurescan help ensure the proper positioning of the body portion within therelease portion while allowing the release portion a degree of movement,for example linear movement, relative to the body portion. Theengagement features can also be used to secure optical fiber connector100 within the port of a telecommunication enclosure. In the exemplaryaspect shown in FIGS. 2A-2C, the engagement features 129 are in the formof cantilevered arms 129 a that have a barb or projection 129 b adjacentto the free ends of the cantilevered arms and a deflection tab 129 cextending from a side of the cantilevered arm. The cantilevered arms canbe deflected toward the body portion as the body portion is insertedinto the release portion 130 to allow the projection on the end of thecantilevered arm to slide through the internal bore 133. The arm willreturn to its original configuration when projection 129 b engages withwindow 139 in the release portion and when the deflection tab clearsinternal cam 133 a (FIG. 4B) formed on the interior surface of theinternal bore through the release portion. In an exemplary aspect,window 139 can be slightly wider than the width of the cantilevered armand the projection on the end of the arm so that a portion of thecantilevered arm can extend through the window beyond the surface of therelease portion to engage with an exterior section 421 of atelecommunication port 420 (FIG. 4B). Moving the body portion of theassembly base with respect to the release portion can change thedistance that the cantilevered arm extends beyond the surface of therelease portion and can thus be used to disengage optical connector 100from a port of a telecommunication enclosure as is described inadditional detail with respect to FIGS. 4A-4C.

As previously mentioned, release portion 130 includes an internal bore133 that extends from a front edge 131 to a rear edge 132 of the releaseportion. The release portion is configured to be close fitting with theport of a telecommunication enclosure into which the exemplary connector100 will be inserted. The release portion 130 can have a groove 137formed in the external surface of the release portion to receive anexternal sealing member 175. In the exemplary aspect shown in FIG. 2A,groove 137 is formed near the front edge 131 of release portion toreceive an external sealing member 175, such as an o-ring. This externalsealing member can provide an environmental seal between the assemblybase of the exemplary optical fiber connector and the port of atelecommunication enclosure into which the exemplary connector isinserted. Specifically, the external sealing member forms anenvironmental seal between the interior wall of the exterior section 221of the port 220 of a telecommunication enclosure (FIGS. 4A-4B). Thus,the environmental sealing of the port is simplified over theconventional connector/receptacle system due to the elimination of oneenvironmental seals (i.e. the seal between the receptacle and the portof the telecommunication enclosure) required by the conventional system.

The release portion 130 can have a connection portion 138 adjacent tothe rear edge 132 of the release portion. The connection portion 138 caninclude at least one bayonet channel 138 a that cooperates with at leastone external peg 148 disposed on an external surface of the activationportion 140. In the exemplary embodiment of optical fiber connector 100,the release portion can include two bayonet channels 138 a disposed onopposite sides of the release portion and the activation portion canhave two external pegs 148 that are configured to engage with thebayonet channels. Thus, the activation portion can be slid into thesecond end 132 of the release portion so that the external pegs aredisposed in the two bayonet channels 138 a.

When the exemplary optical fiber connector needs to be removed from theport of the telecommunication in which the connector is installed,activation portion 140 can be rotated such that the external pins slidein bayonet channels 138 a causing the release portion to move backwithin the exterior section 221 of the port 220. The removal ofexemplary connector 100 from the port of a telecommunication enclosurewill be discussed in additional detail in reference to FIGS. 4B-4C.

A dust sleeve 135 can be fitted over the second end of release portion130 to cover bayonet channels 138 a as shown in FIG. 2C. The dust sleevecan prevent dust and grit from collecting in the bayonet channels thatmight prevent actuation of the release portion.

As previously mentioned, an internal sealing member 170 can be disposedbetween the strain relief assembly and the second end of the assemblybase 110 to provide an environmental seal between the optical fiberconnector 100 and the jacket of a telecommunications cable 50 installedtherein. In one exemplary aspect, internal sealing member 170 caninclude an elastomeric ring portion 170 a and a segmented rigid portion170 b as shown in FIG. 1C. The elastomeric ring portion provides thesealing and cable gripping capability to the optical fiber connector toa telecommunication cable passing through the sealing member, and thesegmented rigid portion serves as skids to allow the strain reliefassembly to rotate freely when the strain relief assembly is beingsecured to the second end of the body portion of the exemplary opticalfiber connector 100. In an alternative aspect, the internal sealingmember can be in the form of a conventional elastomeric grommet.Optionally, the internal sealing member can have a radial slit (notshown) to allow the telecommunication cable to be slipped into theinternal sealing member from the edge of the sealing member. Theinternal sealing member can be formed by a two step molding process whenthe segmented rigid portion is formed of a rigid plastic material suchas poly carbonate or polybutylene terephthalate, for example, or by aninsert molding process when the rigid portion is formed of a rigidplastic material or metal.

In an exemplary aspect, the elastomeric portion of the internal sealingmember can be formed from one of an ethylene propylene diene monomer(EPDM) rubber, a silicone rubber, a polyurethane elastomers or rubbers,natural rubber, a fluoroelastomer or other suitably soft resilientmaterials.

In an alternative aspect, the segmented rigid portion can be replaced bya slit ring made of either plastic or metal that can either beintegrally formed with the internal sealing member or can be a separatepiece which is positioned between the internal sealing member and thestrain relief assembly during assembly of the exemplary connector.

Strain relief assembly 150 can be seen in FIGS. 1A-1C in relation to therest of the components of optical fiber connector 100 and in detail inFIGS. 3A-3C. Strain relief assembly 150 includes a connection portion151 having a first opening 151 c at a first end 151 a thereof to acceptthe second end 122 of body portion 120 of the assembly base 110 and asmaller second opening 151 d at the second end 151 b of the connectionportion to accommodate the passage of a telecommunication cable 50therethrough. The strain relief assembly can further include at leastone internal peg 151 e (FIG. 3C) disposed within the connection portionthat cooperates with the corresponding bayonet channel 128 a on the bodyportion 120 (FIG. 2A) of the optical fiber connector to secure thestrain relief assembly to the body portion and compress the internalsealing member therebetween.

Strain relief assembly 150 also includes a cable clamping portion 153configured to clamp onto the jacket 52 of a telecommunication cablepassing therethrough when the clamping collar 159 is secured over theclamping portion. The clamping portion includes one or more clampingelements 154 that can be actuated to grip the cable jacket 52 of atelecommunication cable when the clamping collar is disposed over theone or more clamping elements. In an exemplary aspect, the clampingelements 154 can be a pair of wedge shaped collet fingers 154 a that areattached to the cable clamping portion 153 at the thin end of theirwedge shape as shown in FIGS. 3B and 3C. The cable clamping portion 153can further include an external thread 153 a that is configured to matewith an internal thread 159 a in the clamping collar 159. As theclamping collar is screwed onto the clamping portion in a directionindicated by directional arrow 192, the clamping collar squeezes thewedge shaped collet fingers inward (as indicated by directional arrow193) to grip the jacket of the telecommunication cable between opposingcollet fingers. In an exemplary aspect, the clamping elements caninclude one or more ridges or teeth to bite into the cable jacket whenthe clamping collar actuates the clamping elements.

Strain relief assembly 150 can further include an integral bend controlboot 155 attached to the clamping portion of the strain relief assembly.The bend control boot prevents the telecommunication cable fromexceeding its minimum bend radius which could result in degradation ofthe signal being carried by the telecommunication cable. The bendcontrol boot can have a segmented form having a plurality of gaps 156disposed along its length to improve the flexibility of the bend controlboot. The size (i.e. the width and length) of the gaps can be modifiedto tailor the flexibility of the bend control boot. In one exemplaryaspect, a plurality of uniform gaps can be dispersed uniformly along thelength of the bend control boot. In an alternative aspect, thinner gapscan be disposed near clamping portion where minimal bending may bedesirable and can gradually widen along the length of the bend controlboot such that the flexibility of the bend control boot increases thefurther it gets from clamping portion. The gaps can be disposedperpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the bend control boot. In analternative aspect the gaps are disposed at a skewed angle with respectto the longitudinal axis of the optical fiber connector such that thebend control boot has the appearance of a segmented coil. In anexemplary aspect, the connection portion 151, clamping portion 153 withclamping elements 154 and the bend control boot 155 of the strain reliefassembly can be molded as a single integral part as shown in FIGS.3A-3C.

In an alternative embodiment of an exemplary strain relief assembly 950shown in FIGS. 15A-15B, the connection portion 951 can be molded as aseparate part from the clamping portion 953 and the bend control boot955 which can be molded as a single unit. FIG. 15A is an exploded viewof strain relief assembly 950, while FIG. 15B shows the exemplary strainrelief assembly as part of optical connector 900. The advantage ofstrain relief assembly 950 is that the connection portion can be free torotate with respect to the clamping portion, which can allow theconnection portion to be tightened or loosened without exerting unduetorsion on the telecommunication cable passing therethrough. In thisembodiment (best illustrated in FIG. 15A), the clamping portion 953 caninclude a lip 953 c on its first end 953 b wherein the outercircumference of the lip is larger than the circumference of the opening951 c at the second end 951 b of the connection portion 951 such thatthe clamping portion is anchored to the connection portion when thefirst end of the clamping portion is installed in the connectionportion. Another variation in the strain relief assembly is shown inFIG. 15A where the clamping elements can also be molded as separateparts which can be fitted into retention slots 953 d in the cableclamping portion 953. The cable clamping portion 953 can further includean external thread 953 a that is configured to mate with an internalthread 959 a in the clamping collar 959. As the clamping collar isscrewed onto the clamping portion, the clamping collar will push theclamping elements inward to grip the jacket of the telecommunicationcable between opposing clamping elements.

While in another exemplary aspect, the bend control portion can beconnected directly to the second end of the connection portion ininstallations where additional strain relief is unnecessary or the bendcontrol portion can have a lip having a circumference greater than thecircumference of opening 951 c at the second end 951 b of the connectionportion 951.

Referring again to FIGS. 3A and 3B, clamping collar 159 can be slid overthe bend control boot 155 in a direction indicated by arrow 191 untilthe internal threads of the clamping collar engage with the externalthreads 153 a of clamping portion 153. The clamping collar is thenturned onto the clamping portion via the mating threads in a directionindicated by arrow 192 shown in FIG. 3C. As the collar is turned ontothe threaded portion the clamping elements are pushed inward asindicated by directional arrow 193 (FIG. 3C) to grip the jacket 52 ofthe telecommunication cable 50 passing there through.

Referring again to FIGS. 1A-1C, optical connection portion 160 caninclude an outer housing 161 having an external connection portion withan external thread 162 adjacent to the second end 161 b that isconfigured to attach the optical connection portion to assembly base110. The outer housing is configured to hold the internal components ofa standard optical fiber connector (e.g. the backbone 165, collar body164, ferrule 166 and boot 167 as shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B) within theouter housing. The internal optical fiber connector components can besimilar to the internal components of the field mountable fiber opticconnector described in commonly owned U.S. Patent Publication No.2011/0044588, incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.Alternatively, the internal optical fiber connector components can besimilar to 3M™ No Polish Connectors, 3M™ Crimplok™ Fiber OpticConnectors available from 3M Company or other field mountable connectorstyles for field termination applications or conventional epoxyconnectors for a factory termination applications.

The external thread 162 of outer housing 161 is configured to engagewith an internal thread (not shown) disposed in the interior passageway123 (FIG. 2A) that extends through the body portion 120 of assembly base110 of optical connector 100. In the exemplary aspect shown, externalthread 162 can be a course pitch thread that corresponds with theinternal thread in the assembly base. After mounting the internalconnector components onto the terminal end of an optical connector, thebackbone is inserted into the outer housing until it snaps into place.Connection portion 160 is then inserted into the first end of theassembly base and secured in place via the course pitch threads whichsecurely attaches the optical connection portion to the assembly basewhile minimizing the torsional effects on the cable within the exemplaryoptical fiber connector resulting from the attachment of the connectionportion to the assembly base. In an exemplary aspect, the opticalconnection portion can be attached to the main body by engaging thethreads and rotating the optical connection portion 120° with respect tothe main body, although other degrees of rotation are a matter of designchoice. In an alternative aspect, the connector portion can be attachedto the assembly base by an adhesive, snap-fit or other mechanicalconnection mechanism.

In one aspect, optical connection portion 160 is configured with an SCformat outer housing 161. However, as would be apparent to one ofordinary skill in the art given the present description, the opticalconnection portion and the outer housings could be configured to haveother standard formats, such as MT, MPO, ST, FC, and LC connectorformats as well as utilizing other connector styles such as factorymounted connectors.

Exemplary optical fiber connector 100 is assembled by first sliding thestrain relief assembly 150 including clamping collar 159, the internalsealing member 170 and an optional boot 167 of the optical connectionportion over the telecommunication cable 50 for later use.

For field termination, an optical connection portion having a mechanicalgripping/splice element 169 can be used. The optical connection portioncan be a remote grip connector such as 3M's Crimplok+ Optical Connectoror can be a fiber stub connector such as 3M's No-Polish Connectors.Telecommunication cable 50 is prepared by cutting away a portion of thecable jacket 52 and stripping off a coated portion of the optical fiber54 near the terminal end of the optical fiber leaving a bare glass fiberportion. The exposed bare glass portion is cleaved (flat or angled) tothe desired length.

The prepared end of the telecommunication cable 50 is inserted throughthe rear end of the backbone 165 of a partially pre-assembled opticalconnector that includes the collar body 164 holding the mechanicalgripping/splice element and ferrule secured within the backbone. In thismanner, the prepared fiber end can be fed through the ferrule or splicedto the fiber stub with the mechanical gripping/splice element 169 withinthe collar body disposed in backbone 165. The boot 167, if present, isthen pushed axially toward the backbone 165 and screwed onto thebackbone mounting section to secure the boot in place completing themounting of the partially pre-assemble optical connection portion ontooptical fiber cable 50. The partially pre-assembled optical connectionportion is then snapped into outer housing 161 to complete the assemblyof connection portion 160.

Assembly base 110 is moved forward over the back end of the opticalconnection portion 160. The optical connection portion is rotated tosecure of the optical connection portion 160 to the body portion 120 ofthe optical connector via threads 162 on outer housing 161.

The internal sealing member is pushed along telecommunication cable 50and until it contacts with the second end 112 of the base assembly 110.Strain relief assembly 150 is slid forward and secured to the bodyportion by engaging the strain relief assembly with the second end 112of the body portion 120. The tightening of the strain relief assembly150 to the body portion compresses the internal sealing member. In analternative embodiment, the internal sealing member can be fitted overthe cable just prior to securing the strain relief assembly to the bodyportion by inserting the cable into the sealing member by through theradial slit in the internal sealing member.

Finally, the clamping collar 159 is slid over the bend control boot 155of strain relief assembly 150 in a direction indicated by arrow 191 inFIG. 3A until the internal threads of the clamping collar engage withthe external threads 153 a of clamping portion 153. The clamping collaris then turned onto the clamping portion via the mating threads in adirection indicated by arrow 192 shown in FIG. 3B causing clampingelement 154 to tighten against the jacket of the telecommunicationcable, thus, completing the assembly of connector 100.

FIG. 4A shows the exemplary optical fiber connector 100 installed into astandard optical connector coupling 250 within a portion of atelecommunication enclosure 200 when the optical connector is insertedthrough a port of the enclosure. The telecommunication enclosure can bea terminal enclosure such as a BPEO S1 16 S7 (Stock number N501714A)available from 3M Company (St. Paul, Minn.).

The exemplary telecommunication enclosure 200 of FIG. 4A includes a base210 and a cover or main body (not shown) removably securable to thebase. The base of the telecommunication enclosure shown in the figuresincludes a bottom wall 212 and a plurality of side walls 214 extendingapproximately perpendicularly from the bottom wall and adjoined to oneanother at the corners of the enclosure. At least one of the side wallscan include at least one port 220 for receiving an optical fiberconnector of the present invention. The exemplary port can be ahexagonal port having an exterior section 221 disposed outside of theenclosure. The exemplary port can have other geometric configurationssuch as a generally cylindrical or tubular shape, a rectangular shape orother polygonal shape. The exterior section 221 of port 220 includes apair of openings 222 disposed on opposing side of the exterior sectionthat are configured to accept projections 129 b (FIG. 1A) of opticalfiber connector 100 when the optical fiber connector is fully engaged inthe port of the telecommunication enclosure as shown in FIG. 4A.

When optical fiber connector 100 is fully inserted into the port 220,the engagement features 129 of optical fiber connector 100 engages withthe opening 222 in the exterior section 221 of the port to secure theoptical fiber connector in place. When the optical fiber connector isproperly seated in the port of the telecommunication enclosure, theexternal sealing member 175 of the optical fiber connector provides awater tight seal between the internal circumference of the exteriorsection 221 of the port and the optical fiber connector.

A standard format optical coupling 250 can be inserted into openings ina patch panel 240 that can be anchored within the telecommunicationenclosure 200 parallel to the sidewall having the ports 220 disposedtherein and can be secured to the base of the telecommunicationenclosure by mechanical fasteners (not shown) or other anchoringmechanism. The patch panel is disposed proximate to the side wall 214with the ports 220. The standard format optical couplings are mounted inthe patch panel such that they align with the ports of the enclosureallowing an optical connection to be made when optical fiber connector100 is fully inserted into the port.

In order to extract optical fiber connector 100 from the port 220, theactivation portion 140 is turned in the direction indicated by arrow 194in FIG. 4B. The pegs 148 on the surface of the activation portion ridein the bayonet channels 138 a formed in release portion 130 causing thebody portion 120 with attached connection portion 160 of the opticalfiber connector to be moved in the direction indicated by arrow 195 inFIG. 4B. As the release portion moves away from the sidewall 214 of thebase 210 of the telecommunication enclosure 200, the engagement features129 formed on the body portion 120 of the optical fiber connector 100contact the cam 133 a formed within the release portion and aredeflected toward the outer surface of the body portion until theprojections 129 b on the free end of the engagement features disengagefrom the openings 222 in the exterior section 221 of telecommunicationclosure port 220, as shown in FIG. 4C, allowing optical fiber connector100 to be removed from the port by the application of an extractionforce that is sufficient to overcome the holding force of the outerhousing 161 of the optical fiber connector by optical connector coupling250. Thus, connector 100 utilizes a twist-to-pull release mechanism todisengage the connector from the port of a telecommunication enclosure.

In alternative embodiments, an exemplary optical fiber connector can bemated with an optical coupling disposed at least partially within theport of a telecommunication enclosure, such that the optical interfacebetween the two optical fiber connectors being mated by the opticalcoupling is located near the plane created by the sidewall of thetelecommunication enclosure. The desire for higher pull-out strength aswell as the desire for a high density of connections has resulted inmodified optical coupling designs that are configured to accept theexternal (i.e. outside of the telecommunication enclosure) exemplaryoptical fiber connector of the present disclosure and a conventionalformat optical fiber connector on the interior of the telecommunicationenclosure.

While the exemplary telecommunication enclosure described above includesa base and a separate cover, the telecommunication enclosure can be anin-line closure having a base and a cover that are attached together bya hinge, a dome style enclosure, a wall mount enclosure, an opticalnetwork terminal or other style of telecommunication enclosure so longas it has the port structure describe above (i.e. a port having anexterior section or sleeve extending outside of and around the port).

FIGS. 5A-5C show an exemplary modified optical coupling 450 that can bepartially inserted into the port 420 of a telecommunication enclosurefrom the interior of the enclosure. Optical coupling 450 has beenmodified for higher density applications than can be satisfied by themore conventional box shaped optical couplings, such as optical coupling250 shown in FIG. 4A-4C. In addition, optical coupling 450 has twoadditional attachment points than are present in a conventional opticalcoupling designs, thus enabling a higher pull out strength of theexemplary optical fiber connectors described herein and improving thereliability of the optical connection interface when forces are exertedon the telecommunication cable on which the exemplary optical fiberconnector is mounted.

Optical coupling 450 can have a first side 450 a and a second side 450 bdisposed on either side of a flange 460 and includes first optical fiberconnector housing 455 disposed on a first side of the flange, a secondconnector housing 465 on a second side of the flange 460 and a ferrulealignment sleeve 462 disposed along the central axis 452 of the opticalcoupling and extending through the flange into each of the first andsecond connector housings. Flange 460 is configured to abut against theinterior surface sidewall of the telecommunication enclosure adjacent tothe port in which the optical coupling is inserted and to retain theoptical coupling within the port when an external force is exerted onthe telecommunication cable or the optical fiber connector mounted onthe telecommunication cable that is inserted to the optical couplingfrom outside of the telecommunication enclosure. In an exemplary aspect,optical coupling 450 can be at least partially disposed within the port(i.e. the first connector housing can disposed within the exteriorsection 421 of the port 420 and the second connector housing disposedwithin the interior of the telecommunication enclosure as shown in FIGS.5B-5C). Thus, the connection point between the optical coupling and anoptical connector installed therein is protected by the external sectionof the port.

Each of the connector housings 455, 465 includes a connector port 456,466 respectively, that is configured to receive a corresponding opticalfiber connector and align the connector ferrules to one another.

In an exemplary aspect, first connector housing 455 can be configured toaccept exemplary optical fiber connector 300 shown in FIGS. 6A-6C or aconventional standard format connector such as an SC-format connector.This feature can allow the connection of test equipment that includes aconventional optical fiber connector to be inserted and secured into thecoupling, which is not possible with receptacles that mate withconventional ruggedized connectors.

The second connector housing 465 can be configured to accept a matingconnector disposed in the interior of the telecommunication enclosure.The mating connector can have any standard connector format, such as MT,MPO, SC, ST, FC, or LC connector format. The second connector housing465 will have a corresponding format, for example an SC-format. Thesecond connector housing can include catch mechanism (not shown) similarto that found in conventional optical couplings to secure the matingconnector to optical coupling 450.

First connector housing 455 can be configured to accept the outerhousing 361 of the connection portion 360 of exemplary optical fiberconnector 300. The first connector housing includes a pair of latches457 and a pair of latch arms that mate with engagement features in theouter housing of the optical connection portion of the exemplary opticalfiber connector. Latches 457 have a hooked portion 457 a on the free endthereof, the hooked portions are configured to be received by receivingwindows 361 c (FIGS. 9A-9B) formed in the outer housing of optical fiberconnector 300 and constitute the first two connection points betweenoptical fiber connector 300 and optical coupling 450. In addition, thefirst connector housing also includes a pair of latch arms 458 thatenable two additional connection points between optical fiber connector300 and optical coupling 450 that are not available in conventionaloptical couplings.

In the exemplary aspect shown in FIGS. 5A-5B, each latch arm 458 canhave a base portion 458 a adjacent to flange 460, a terminal portion 458c, and a waist portion 458 b disposed between the terminal portion andthe base portion. The terminal portion is wider than the waist portionsuch that the terminal portion can be retained in C-shaped catch 364 a(FIG. 9B) of the optical fiber connector's optical connection portionwhich will be described in additional detail below. In addition, theterminal portion of at least one of latch arms 458 can include a rib 458d formed on its outer surface. Rib 458 d can be inserted in a slot 333 e(FIG. 7C) to ensure proper alignment of optical fiber connector withoptical coupling 450 when the connector is inserted into the coupling.An optional alignment slot 458 e can be formed on the inside surface ofterminal portion 458 c to provide keying when a standard format opticalconnector is inserted into first housing 455 of optical coupling 450.

Referring to FIGS. 5A and 5B, the base portions 458 a of the latch arms458 have a recessed channel 459 formed adjacent to the flange 460 whichis configured to closely fit the opening through the side wall 414 thatdefines the port in the telecommunication enclosure. When installed inthe port, the side wall of the enclosure resides between the walls oneither side of the recessed channel 459 to ensure proper positioning ofthe optical coupling and securely fix the optical coupling in the port.Latch arms 458 can flex inward to allow the first end of the opticalcoupling to pass through the opening in the side wall of thetelecommunication enclosure until the sidewall is positioned in therecessed channel adjacent to flange 460 releasing the pressure on thelatch arms and allowing them to return to their original position, thuslocking optical coupling 450 in the port of the telecommunicationenclosure. When an optical connector is inserted into the first housing455 of optical 450, the optical connector advantageously pushes latcharms 458 apart to ensure that the coupling cannot be removed from theport when an optical coupling is inserted into the first side of theoptical coupling.

In an exemplary aspect, optical coupling 450 can include a keying nub454 to allow insertion of optical coupling into the port having acorresponding notch formed in the port opening, so that the opticalcoupling is inserted into the port in a known orientation, which can beadvantageous when the first housing of the optical coupling resideswithin an exterior sleeve or section 421 of the port 420 which can limitvisual verification that the optical coupling was properly installed inthe port.

Referring to FIGS. 6A-6C, optical fiber connector 300 includes anassembly base 310 having a first end 311 and a second end 312, a strainrelief assembly 350 attachable to the second end of the assembly baseand an optical connection portion 360 having a ferrule 366 disposedtherein that defines an optical connection interface, wherein theoptical connection interface can be attached to the first end of theassembly base. The strain relief assembly applies a radial force to thesecond end of the assembly base compressing an internal sealing member370 to provide an environmental seal between the optical fiber connector300 and the telecommunications cable to which it is connected. Inaddition, optical connector 300 includes at least one engagement featurethat is configured to secure the optical fiber connector within a portof a telecommunication enclosure.

Assembly base 310 includes a body portion 320 having a first end 321 anda second end 322, a release portion 330 around and near the first end ofthe body portion and an activation portion 340 disposed over the bodyportion and in contact with the release portion. The release portiondefines a release mechanism which moves the release portion relative tothe body portion to disengage the at least one engagement feature whenthe release portion moves with respect to the body portion so that theoptical fiber connector can be removed from the port of thetelecommunication enclosure. FIG. 7A is an exploded view of the assemblybase. FIG. 7B is a detail view of the second end 322 of body portion 320and FIG. 7C is a detail view of the first end 321 of the body portion ofthe exemplary optical fiber connector.

The body portion 320 can have a generally tubular shape and includes aninterior passageway 323 that extends along the length of the bodyportion from the first end 321 to the second end 322 of the bodyportion. The body portion includes a passage entry (not shown) at thefirst end 321 of the interior passageway and a passage exit 325 at thesecond end 322 of the interior passageway 323 that can be configured toaccommodate the internal sealing member 370 disposed around certaincategories of telecommunication cables including single fiber dropcables and/or multi-fiber cables.

The passage entry of the interior passageway 323 is configured to acceptand secure optical connection portion 360 to/in the first end 321 of thebody portion 320. As such, the passage entry can be shaped to closelyconform to an outer perimeter portion of the optical connection portionor can provide a connection means for securing the optical connectionportion such a thread, mechanical catches, bayonet connections, etc.

The body portion 320 can have a groove 327 formed in the externalsurface of the body portion to receive an intermediate sealing member373. In the exemplary aspect shown in FIG. 7A, a groove is formed nearthe first end 321 of body portion 320 to receive an intermediate sealingmember 373 such as an o-ring. This intermediate sealing member canprovide an environmental seal between the body portion and releaseportion 330 of assembly base 310.

Body portion 320 can include a shoulder 320 a formed in its externalsurface. The shoulder serves to properly position activation portion340. The activation portion 340 can be slid over the second end of bodyportion 320 such that the activation portion is disposed against theshoulder. In one aspect, at least a portion of the external surface ofbody portion 320 and the internal surface of the bore through theactivation portion can be smooth so that the activation portion can turnrelative to the body portion to actuate the release portion 330 toenable release of optical fiber connector from the latches and latcharms of the modified optical coupling, while in another aspect, theexternal surface of body portion and the internal surface of the borethrough the activation portion can be textured to provide a degree ofresistance to the motion of the activation portion or to provide anaudible confirmatory sound when the activation portion is turned. In analternative aspect, at least a portion of the external surface of thebody portion and the internal surface of the bore through the activationportion can be threaded so that the activation portion can be rotated ina helical manner to actuate the release portion.

Referring to FIGS. 7A and 7B, body portion 320 can have an externalconnection portion 328 adjacent to the second end 322 of the bodyportion. The external connection portion 328 includes external threadthat cooperates with an internal thread disposed within a first end 351of strain relief assembly 350 to cause a compressible portion 326 formedat the second end of the body portion to conform to an outer surface ofthe telecommunication cable or an internal sealing member 370 fittedwithin the optical fiber connector. The compressible portion 322 may bereduced in size (diameter) when an external radial force is exerted onit by the tightening of the strain relief assembly. The compressibleportion can have a plurality of spaced apart fingers 326 a extendingfrom the main body near the second end thereof to facilitate compressionof the compressible portion around the internal sealing member disposedwithin the body portion. In an exemplary aspect, the compressibleportion can gave a generally truncated conical shape with the interiorof the connection portion of the strain relief assembly having acorresponding shape to cause the spaced apart fingers to be squeezedtogether such that they exert a compressive force around the cableand/or internal sealing member seated in the interior passageway of thecompression portion of body portion 320 when the strain relief assemblyis secured on to the second end of the body portion.

Referring to FIGS. 6B, 7A-7C, and 8, release portion 330 includes atubular shell having an internal bore 333 that extends from a front edge331 to a rear edge 332 of the release portion. The release portion isconfigured to be close fitting with the port of a telecommunicationenclosure into which the exemplary optical fiber connector will beinserted. The release portion 330 can have a groove 337 formed in theexternal surface of the release portion to receive an external sealingmember 375. In the exemplary aspect shown in FIG. 8, groove 337 isformed near the front edge 331 of release portion 330 and is configuredto receive an external sealing member 375 such as an o-ring. Thisexternal sealing member can provide an environmental seal between theassembly base of the exemplary optical fiber connector and the port of atelecommunication enclosure into which the exemplary optical fiberconnector is inserted. Specifically, the external sealing member formsan environmental seal between the interior wall of the exterior section221 of the port 220 of a telecommunication enclosure (FIGS. 4A-4B).

Release portion 330 can include one or more alignment channels and/orrelease cams disposed within the interior passageway 333 shown in FIGS.7C and 8. The alignment channels can guide any latches 457 and/or latcharms 458 of the mating optical coupling 450 (FIG. 5A) into properposition when the exemplary optical fiber connector 300 is inserted intothe optical coupling. For example, alignment channels 333 a can beconfigured to accept latches 457 of the optical coupling while alignmentchannels 333 b can be configured to accept latch arms 458.

Release cams 333 c, 333 d can aid in disengaging the engagement featuresof the exemplary optical fiber connector from the latches and/or latcharms of the optical coupling when the release portion is activated aswill be described in additional detail below. In an exemplary aspect,the one or more alignment channels and/or release cams can be integrallyformed with the release portion by an injection molding process.

The release portion 330 includes a fastening ring 336 configured tomovably join the release portion to the activation portion. Thefastening ring includes a pair of bayonet pegs 336 a attached onopposite sides of the fastening ring configured to mate with the bayonetchannel(s) 346 formed adjacent to the first end 341 of the activationportion 340 (FIG. 7A). The fastening ring fits into a channel 334 formedin the outer surface of the release portion which includes two pegopenings 334 a for insertion of the bayonet pegs that are mounted on thefastening ring. In the assembled connector, the bayonet pegs fit intothe bayonet channel(s) 346 of the activation portion 340. When theactivation portion is rotated, the bayonet pegs travel in the bayonetchannel and cause the release portion to move in a longitudinaldirection. Thus, when the activation portion is rotated, the releaseportion is pushed toward the optical coupling to release the latches ofthe modified optical coupling from the engagement features of theoptical connector, thus allowing the removal of optical fiber connector300 from the port of a telecommunication enclosure. The removal ofexemplary optical fiber connector 300 from the port of atelecommunication enclosure will be discussed in additional detail inreference to FIGS. 10B and 10C.

In one exemplary aspect, internal sealing member 370 can be anelastomeric grommet. Additionally, internal sealing member 370 may havea radial slit 371 to allow the telecommunication cable to be slippedinto the internal sealing member from the edge of the sealing member. Inan exemplary aspect, the elastomeric portion of the internal sealingmember can be formed from one of an ethylene propylene diene monomer(EPDM) rubber, a silicone rubber, a polyurethane elastomers or rubbers,natural rubber, a fluoroelastomer or other suitably soft resilientmaterials.

Strain relief assembly 350 can be similar to strain relief member 150 or950 with the exception of the truncated conical shape of the interiorcavity in connection portion as mentioned above.

Referring to FIGS. 6B, 9A and 9B, optical connection portion 360 caninclude an outer housing 361 configured to mate with the backbone astandard optical fiber connector and the engagement features configuredto secure exemplary connector 300 within the port of a telecommunicationenclosure. Specifically, the engagement features engage with the latchesand latch arms of optical coupling 450 which are disposed at leastpartially within the port of the telecommunication enclosure asdescribed above. The outer housing includes a retention clip 362 havingtwo engagement features which configured to provide two points ofconnection with a novel optical coupling, for example optical coupling450 shown in FIG. 5A. The outer housing includes also includes a twoadditional engagement features in the form of a pair of windows 361 cdisposed on two opposite sidewalls of the outer housing that areconfigured to mate with a first pair of latches 457 in an exemplaryoptical fiber connector adapter 450 and provide two additionalconnection points with optical coupling 450. The four connection pointsbetween optical connector 300 and optical coupling provide a strongerconnection that the two connection points available in conventionaloptical couplings.

In an exemplary aspect, the outer housing can include a groove 361 dadjacent to the second end of the outer housing that is configured toaccept and hold one or more retention clips 362.

Each retention clip 362 includes a base portion 363 that is configuredto fit within groove 361 d in the outer housing 361 and an extensionportion 364 that are configured to extend along the two other opposingsides of the outer housing that do not have windows 361 c formedtherein. In an exemplary aspect, the base portion can be generallycrescent shaped and can have a hook 363 a on each end. The hooks areconfigured to snap into depressions or openings 361 e within groove 361d to secure the clip to the outer housing of the connection portion.Alternatively, the structure of the retention clips can be molded intothe outer surface of the outer housing to reduce the number of partsthat need to be handled in the field. Alternatively, clips 362 can bepreassembled onto the outer housing at the factory also reducing thenumber of separate parts that need to be handled in the field.

Each extension portion 364 includes an engagement feature (i.e. C-shapedcatch 364 a) at the end the clip opposite base portion 363 anddisengaging knob 364 b extending from at least one edge of the extensionportion. Each of the C-shaped catches is configured to mate with theterminal portion 458 c of a latch arm 458 of optical coupling 450. Inthe exemplary aspect shown in FIGS. 9A and 9 b, extension portion 364has two disengaging knobs 364 b extending from the edges of theextension portion near the base of the C-shaped catch. The disengagingknobs interact with release cams 333 d within the interior passageway ofthe release portion 330 to lift the free end of the extension portionfreeing the terminal portion of a latch arm 458 from the C-shaped catchto allow removal of exemplary connector from optical coupling 450disposed in the port of a telecommunication enclosure.

Optical fiber connector 300 can be assembled by a process that isanalogous to that described previously for connector 100.

FIG. 10A shows a sectional view of exemplary optical fiber connector 300installed into a modified optical coupling 450 inserted partially into aport 420 of a telecommunication enclosure 400. Telecommunicationenclosure 400 includes a base 410 and a cover or main body (not shown)removably securable to the base. The base includes a bottom wall 412 anda plurality of side walls 414 (only a portion of one side wall is shownin the figure) extending approximately perpendicularly from the bottomwall and adjoined to one another at the corners (not shown) of theenclosure. At least one of the side walls can include at least one port420 for receiving a fiber optic connector of the present invention. Theexemplary port can be a hexagonal port having an exterior section 421disposed outside of the enclosure. When optical fiber connector 300 isfully inserted into the port 420, the external sealing member 375 of theoptical fiber connector provides a water tight seal between the internalcircumference of the exterior section 421 of the port and the opticalfiber connector.

FIGS. 10B and 10C illustrate the disengagement of optical fiberconnector 300 from the modified optical coupling 450. Note that thetelecommunication enclosure as well as a portion of the connector (i.e.a section of the wall of the release portion) has been removed fromFIGS. 10A and 10B to show how the cams within the release portion of theexemplary optical fiber connector disengage the latches and latch armsof optical coupling 450 so that optical connector 300 can be removedfrom the port of the telecommunication enclosure.

FIG. 10B shows optical fiber connector 300 secured in optical coupling450. The terminal portion 458 c of latch arm 458 is secured in theC-shaped catch 364 a of retention clip 362 and latch 457 is engaged withthe window (not shown) formed in the outer housing of the connectionportion of exemplary optical fiber connector 300. To disengage theconnector from optical coupling 450, activation portion is rotated in adirection indicated by arrow 391. The bayonet pegs disposed through therelease portion 330 slide in the bayonet channel(s) 346 of theactivation portion causing the release portion to move forward towardthe optical coupling and the connection interface as indicated by arrow392.

As release portion slides forward, latches 457 of the optical couplingengage with cams 333 c inside of the release portion to disengage theprojection on the latches from the windows in the outer housing of theconnection portion and simultaneously, disengaging knobs 364 b on thesides of the extension portion of the clips 362 that ride up the side ofcams 333 d within the release portion and lift the extension portion 364to disengage the terminal portion 458 c of latch arm 458 as shown inFIG. 10C. Once both the latches and latch arms have been disengaged,optical fiber connector 300 can be removed from optical coupling 450(and the port of the telecommunication enclosure) by the application ofa moderate removal force applied in a direction indicated by arrow 393.Thus, connector 300 utilizes a twist-to-push release mechanism todisengage the exemplary connector from the port of a telecommunicationenclosure. Advantageously, no torsional forces are applied to theoptical fiber cable during this removal process.

While the description above described the simultaneous opening of thelatches and latch arms, the sequential opening of the latches and latcharms is also contemplated and should be considered to fall within thescope of the current disclosure.

Referring to FIGS. 11A-11C, optical fiber connector 500 is similar inmany respects to optical fiber connector 300 shown in FIGS. 6A-6C exceptwith regards to the mechanism for disengaging the optical fiberconnector from the optical coupling. Where the rotation of activationportion was responsible for pushing the release portion forward inoptical fiber connector 300, optical fiber connector 500 allows thecraftsman to move the release portion forward directly (as indicated bydirectional arrow 591 in FIG. 11C) to disengage exemplary optical fiberconnector. Thus, optical fiber connector 500 has fewer parts than theoptical fiber connector 300.

Optical fiber connector 500 includes an assembly base 510, a strainrelief assembly 550 attachable to the second end of the assembly baseand an optical connection portion 560 having a ferrule 566 disposedtherein that defines an optical connection interface, wherein theoptical connection portion is attachable to the first end of theassembly base. An internal sealing member is compressed between thesecond end of the assembly base and the strain relief assembly when thestrain relief assembly is secured to the assembly base to provide anenvironmental seal between the optical fiber connector and thetelecommunications cable to which it is connected. In addition, opticalconnector 500 includes at least one engagement feature that isconfigured to secure the optical fiber connector within a port of atelecommunication enclosure.

Optical fiber connector 500 is configured to mate with optical coupling450 shown in FIGS. 5A-5C and as such includes similar engagementfeatures as described with respect to optical fiber connector 300.Specifically, optical fiber connector includes windows 561 c formed inthe outer housing of the optical connection portion as well as C-shapedcatches 564 a that are configured to mate with latch arm 458 of opticalcoupling 450.

Assembly base 510 includes a body portion 520 having a first end 521 anda second end 522 and a release portion 530 disposed around and near thefirst end of the body portion. The release portion defines a releasemechanism which moves the release portion relative to the body portionto disengage the at least one engagement feature when the releaseportion moves with respect to the body portion so that the optical fiberconnector can be removed from the port of the telecommunicationenclosure. The body portion 520 can have a generally tubular shape andincludes an interior passageway 523 that extends along the length of thebody portion. The first end of the interior passageway is configured toaccept and secure optical connection portion 560 to/in the first end ofthe body portion via a thread connection, an interference fit, a bayonetconnection, etc.

The body portion 520 can have a groove formed in the external surface ofthe body portion to receive an intermediate sealing member 573. Theintermediate sealing member can provide an environmental seal betweenthe body portion and release portion 530 of assembly base 510.

In addition, body portion 520 can have an external connection portion528 adjacent to the second end 522 of the body portion. In the exemplaryaspect shown in FIG. 11B, external connection portion 528 includes atleast one bayonet channel 528 a that cooperates with at least oneinternal peg (not shown) disposed within the first end 551 of strainrelief assembly 550. In the exemplary embodiment of optical fiberconnector 500, the body portion can include two bayonet channelsdisposed on opposite sides of the body portion and the strain reliefassembly can have two corresponding internal pegs that are configured toengage with the bayonet channels. Thus, the strain relief assembly canbe slid over the second end of the body portion and rotated to securethe strain relief assembly to the body portion as the internal pegs inthe strain relief assembly ride in the bayonet channels in the bodyportion. The internal sealing member is compressed longitudinallybetween the strain relief assembly and the second end of the bodyportion as shown in FIG. 11C. Utilizing a bayonet style securingmechanism as described above may be advantageous. The bayonet connectionmechanism has the advantage that it has two well defined end stops wherethe internal grommet is either compressed or not compressed. The endstops can remove a degree of uncertainty as to what is the proper amountof tightening needed to compress the internal grommet in order toachieve the desired degree of environmental protection.

Release portion 530 includes a tubular shell having an internal bore 533that extends from a front edge 531 to a rear edge 532 of the releaseportion. The release portion is configured to be close fitting with theport of a telecommunication enclosure into which the exemplary opticalfiber connector will be inserted. The release portion can have a grooveformed in the external surface of the release portion to receive anexternal sealing member 575, such as an o-ring. This external sealingmember can provide an environmental seal between the assembly base ofthe exemplary optical fiber connector and the port of atelecommunication enclosure into which the exemplary optical fiberconnector is inserted.

Release portion 530 can include one or more alignment channels and/orrelease cams which are analogous to those described with respect torelease portion 330 (FIG. 6B) in optical fiber connector 300. Thealignment channels can guide any latches 457 and/or latch arms 458 ofthe mating optical coupling 450 (FIG. 5A) into proper position when theexemplary optical fiber connector 500 is inserted into the opticalcoupling. The release cams aid in removal of the exemplary optical fiberconnector from the latches and/or latch arms of the optical couplingwhen the release portion is moved toward optical coupling 450.

Strain relief assembly 550 is analogous to strain relief member 150 asdescribed previously.

Similarly, optical connection portion 560 is analogous to opticalconnection portion 360 described previously except that the features ofclip 362 of optical connector 300 are integrally molded with the outerhousing 561 in optical connector 500. The disengaging mechanism is alsothe same as described other than for the means of moving the releaseportion toward the coupling. In exemplary optical fiber connector 500,the craftsman can simply push the release portion forward as indicatedby directional arrow 591 causing latches 457 of optical coupling 450 toengage with cams inside the release portion to disengage the projectionon the latches from the windows in the outer housing of the connectionportion 560. Simultaneously, disengaging knobs on the retention clips562 of the outer housing 561 can ride up the side of a second set ofcams disposed within the release portion to lift the extension portionof the retentions clip in order to disengage latch arms 458 of opticalcoupling 450. Once both the latches and latch arms have been disengaged,optical fiber connector 500 can be removed from optical coupling 450 bythe application of a moderate removal force. Thus, a push to releasemechanism is used to disengage optical fiber connector 500 from opticalcoupling 450 and from the port of a telecommunication enclosure.

FIGS. 12A-12B and 13A-13B show another modified optical coupling 850configured for use with an exemplary optical fiber connector 700 shownin FIGS. 14A-14C. Optical coupling 850 includes first and secondconnector housings 855, 865 disposed on opposing sides of an adapterflange 860 and a ferrule alignment sleeve 862 disposed along the centralaxis of the optical coupling between and extending into the first andsecond connector housings. Each of the connector housings includes aconnector port 856, 866, respectively, that is configured to receive acorresponding optical fiber connector and align the connector ferrulesto one another. Each connector port can provide a smooth, snug fit forthe incoming connector.

Optical coupling 850 can be disposed in a port 820 of atelecommunication enclosure 800 as shown in FIGS. 13A-13B. Port 820includes a hexagonal port structure having an exterior section 821surrounding port opening through the external wall. Alternatively, theexterior section of the port structure can have other geometricconfigurations such as a cylinder, a rectangular prism or otherpolygonal prism. Optical coupling 850 can be inserted through theexterior section of the port 820 until the flange abuts the exteriorwall of the closure such that the first connector housing is disposedwithin the exterior section and the second connector housing extendsinto the interior of the telecommunication enclosure. The opticalcoupling can be locked in the place by a spring clip 864 disposed in agroove 868 in the second connector housing such that the connectoradapter cannot be removed from port 820.

In an exemplary aspect, optical coupling 850 can be at least partiallydisposed within the port (i.e. the first connector housing can disposedwithin the exterior section 821 of the port 820 and the second connectorhousing disposed within the interior of the telecommunication enclosureas shown in FIGS. 13A-13B). Thus, the connection point between theoptical coupling and an optical connector installed therein is protectedby the external section of the port.

In an exemplary aspect, first connector housing 855 can be configured toaccept exemplary connector 700 in accordance with the presentdisclosure. For example, the first connector housing can be configuredto accept the outer housing 761 of the connection portion 760. Inparticular, first connector housing 855 can include two windows 857formed on opposite sides of the first connector housing that can beengaged by forward facing latches 763 to the connector in the firstconnector housing of optical coupling 850.

Second connector housing 865 can be configured to accept a matingconnector (not shown) disposed in the interior of the telecommunicationenclosure. The mating connector can have any standard connector formats,such as MT, MPO, SC, ST, FC, and LC connector formats and the secondconnector housing will have a corresponding format, for example anSC-format. The second connector housing can include catch mechanism (notshown) similar to that found in conventional connector adapters tosecure the mating connector in optical coupling 850.

Ferrule alignment sleeve 862 of optical coupling 850 receives theferrule 766 of connector portion 760 of exemplary connector 700 in afirst side thereof (as shown in FIG. 14C) and the ferrule of the matingconnector (not shown) in a second side thereof. In one aspect, theferrule alignment sleeve can be a split ceramic sleeve retained in abore formed in the first and second connector housings that provides forsmooth passage and alignment of the ferrules.

In an exemplary aspect, optical coupling 850 can include a keying nub632 to allow insertion of optical coupling into the port in a knownorientation and to ensure proper seating of the optical coupling whenthe optical coupling is inserted into the port of the telecommunicationenclosure through the exterior section.

In the exemplary aspects shown herein, optical fiber connector coupling850 is configured to couple two SC format connector interfaces. However,as would be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art given thepresent description, the optical fiber connector coupling 850, andcomponents thereof, can be modified to receive optical fiber connectorshaving other standard formats, such as ST, FC, and LC connector formats.In a further alternative aspect, the couplings described herein can beconfigured to accept two different connector formats. For example, thefirst connector housing of the coupling can be configured to receive anST connector, while the second connector housing of the coupling can beconfigured to receive an SC connector. Other combinations of connectorformats can be utilized, as would be apparent to one of skill in the artgiven the present description.

Referring to FIGS. 14A-14C, optical fiber connector 700 includes anassembly base 710 having a first end 711 and a second end 712, a strainrelief assembly 750 attachable to the second end of the assembly baseand an optical connection portion 760 having a ferrule disposed thereinthat defines an optical connection interface, wherein the opticalconnection portion is attachable to the first end of the assembly base.Securing the strain relief assembly to the second end of the assemblybase compresses an internal sealing member 770 between the strain reliefassembly and the assembly base to provide an environmental seal betweenthe optical fiber connector and the telecommunications cable to which itis connected. In addition, optical connector 700 includes at least oneengagement feature that is configured to secure the optical fiberconnector within a port of a telecommunication enclosure.

Assembly base 710 includes a body portion 720 having a first end 721 anda second end 722, and a release portion 730 around and near the firstend of the body portion. The release portion defines a release mechanismwhich moves the release portion relative to the body portion todisengage the at least one engagement feature when the release portionmoves with respect to the body portion so that the optical fiberconnector can be removed from the port of the telecommunicationenclosure. The body portion 720 can have a generally tubular shape andincludes an interior passageway 723 that extends along the length of thebody portion from the first end 721 to the second end 722 of the bodyportion. The first end of the interior passageway 723 is configured toaccept and secure optical connection portion 760. As such, the opticalconnection portion can include connection means for securing the opticalconnection portion to the assembly base wherein the connection means canbe one of a threaded connection, mechanical catches, a bayonetconnection, etc.

The body portion 720 can have a groove formed in its external surface toreceive an intermediate sealing member 773. This intermediate sealingmember can provide an environmental seal between the body portion andrelease portion 730 of assembly base 710.

Body portion 720 includes an external connection portion 728 adjacent tothe second end 722 of the body portion. In the exemplary aspect shown inFIG. 14B, external connection portion 728 includes at least one bayonetchannel 728 a that cooperates with at least one internal peg (not shown)disposed within the first end 751 of strain relief assembly 750. In theexemplary embodiment of optical fiber connector 700, the body portioncan include two bayonet channels disposed on opposite sides of the bodyportion and the strain relief assembly can have two correspondinginternal pegs that are configured to engage with the bayonet channels.Thus, the strain relief assembly can be slid over the second end of thebody portion and rotated to secure the strain relief assembly to thebody portion as the internal pegs in the strain relief assembly ride inthe bayonet channels in the body portion. The internal sealing member iscompressed longitudinally between the strain relief assembly and thesecond end of the body portion as shown in FIG. 14C.

Optical connection portion 760 can include an outer housing 761configured to mate with the backbone of a standard optical fiberconnector, such as a 3M™ No Polish Connector and a 3M™ Crimplok™ FiberOptic Connector available from 3M Company for field termination or aconventional epoxy connector for a factory termination, and a pair ofengagement features. In the exemplary embodiment shown in FIGS. 14A-14C,the engagement features at in the form of a pair of forward facinglatches 763 extending from the outer housing 761 that are configured toprovide connection with a optical coupling 850 (FIG. 12B). The forwardfacing latch arms can include a barb to ensure reliable attachment ofoptical fiber connector 700 to the optical coupling.

Referring to FIGS. 14A-14C, release portion 730 includes a tubular shellhaving an internal bore 733 that extends from a front edge 731 to a rearedge 732 of the release portion. The release portion is configured to beclose fitting with the port of a telecommunication enclosure into whichthe exemplary optical fiber connector will be inserted. The releaseportion 730 can have a groove formed in the external surface of therelease portion to receive an external sealing member 775. This externalsealing member can provide an environmental seal between the assemblybase of the exemplary optical fiber connector and the port of atelecommunication enclosure into which the exemplary optical fiberconnector is inserted.

Release portion 730 can include one or more release cams 733 a disposedwithin the interior passageway 733 as shown in FIG. 14C. The releasecams aide in disengaging exemplary optical fiber connector 700 fromoptical coupling 850 by disengaging the forward facing latch armsdisposed on the outer shell of the connection portion from the windows857 formed on opposite sides of the first connector housing of theoptical coupling when the release portion is activated by exerting alongitudinal removal force on the release portion (represented bydirectional arrow 791 in FIG. 14C). Thus, optical fiber connector 700incorporates a pull to release mechanism to disengage the connector fromthe port of a telecommunication enclosure. The first portion of themovement of the release portion will disengage forward facing latch armsfrom the windows in the optical coupling while continued application ofthe longitudinal removal force will allow optical fiber connector 700 tobe completely removed from the coupling. In an exemplary aspect, therelease cams can be integrally formed with the release portion by aninjection molding process.

The release portion 730 includes a fastening ring 736 configured tomovably join the release portion to the body portion. The fastening ringincludes a pair of protrusions 736 a attached on opposite sides of thefastening ring configured to engage with depressions 726 formed in theouter surface of body portion 720. The fastening ring fits into achannel 734 formed in the outer surface of the release portion whichincludes openings 734 a for insertion of protrusions 736 a therethrough.The protrusions are free to slide within the depressions in the bodyportion when a removal force is applied to the release portion ofoptical fiber connector 700. In addition, the sliding of the protrusionswithin the depressions controls the degree of movement of the releaseportion relative to the body portion to enable releasing forward facinglatches on the outer housing prior to removing the optical fiberconnector from the port of the telecommunication enclosure. This releasemechanism has the advantage, that the connector can only be removed fromthe port of the telecommunication enclosure by selective application ofthe removal force to the release portion. An application of a force tothe optical fiber cable, the strain relief assembly or the body portionof optical fiber connector will not dislodge the exemplary connectorfrom the port of the telecommunication enclosure.

Strain relief assembly 750 can be similar to strain relief member 150 or950 with the exception of the truncated conical shape of the interiorcavity in connection portion as mentioned above.

FIGS. 16A-16C show another modified optical coupling 1050 that can bepartially inserted into the port 1020 of a telecommunication enclosurefrom the interior of the enclosure. Optical coupling 1050 has beenmodified for higher port density enclosures than can be satisfied by themore conventional box shaped optical couplings, such as optical coupling250 shown in FIG. 4A-4C. Optical coupling 1050 has two additionalattachment points than are present in a conventional optical couplingdesigns, thus enabling a higher pull out strength of the optical fiberconnector and improving the reliability of the optical connectioninterface when forces are exerted onto the optical fiber cable on whichthe exemplary optical fiber connector is mounted.

Optical coupling 1050 can have a first side 1050 a and a second side1050 b disposed on either side of a flange 1060 and includes firstoptical fiber connector housing 1055 disposed on a first side of theflange, a second connector housing 1065 on a second side of the flange1060 and a ferrule alignment sleeve 1062 disposed along the central axisof the optical coupling and extending through the flange into each ofthe first and second connector housings. Each of the connector housings1055, 1065 includes a connector port 1056, 1066 respectively, that isconfigured to receive a corresponding optical fiber connector and alignthe connector ferrules of the optical fiber connectors to one anotherwithin the ferrule alignment sleeve.

In an exemplary aspect, first connector housing 1055 can be configuredto accept exemplary optical fiber connector 1100 shown in FIGS. 17A-17C.The second connector housing 1065 can be configured to accept a matingconnector disposed in the interior of the telecommunication enclosure.The mating connector can have any standard connector formats, such asMT, MPO, SC, ST, FC, and LC connector formats and the second connectorhousing 1065 will have a corresponding format, for example an SC-format.The second connector housing can include catch mechanism 1067, shown inFIG. 16B, similar to that found in conventional connector adapters tosecure the mating connector in optical coupling 1050.

In one exemplary aspect, ferrule alignment sleeve can be a split ceramicsleeve retained in a bore formed in the first and second connectorhousings or in a bore formed when two retention portions 1055 b, 1065 bare joined together such as by ultrasonic welding or an adhesive. Eachretention portion can include a base portion having a cylindrical sleeveand a pair of clamping elements (e.g. catches 1067 and latches 1057)extending therefrom. Once the retention portions have been joinedtogether, the housing portion of connector housings 1055, 1065,respectively, can be slipped over the clamping elements and thecylindrical sleeve until they abut against each other. The housingportions can then be joined together by ultrasonic welding or anadhesive to form optical coupling 1050. In an alternative embodiment,housing portions 1055, 1065 can be overmolded around the joined togetherretention portions to form the exemplary optical coupling.

First connector housing 1055 can be configured to accept the outerhousing 1161 of the connection portion 1160 of exemplary optical fiberconnector 1100 shown in FIGS. 17A-17C. The first connector housingincludes a first pair of latches 1057 having a hooked portion 1057 a onthe free end thereof, the hooked portions are configured to be receivedby receiving windows 1161 c (FIG. 17B) formed in the outer housing ofoptical fiber connector 1100 and constitute the first two connectionpoints between optical fiber connector and optical coupling 1050. Inaddition, first connector housing also includes a pair of latch arms1058 that enable two additional connection points between optical fiberconnector 1100 and optical coupling 1050 that are not available inconventional optical couplings. Latch arms 1058 have a central extensionmember 1058 a that extends from the base of housing portion 1055 a and apair of flexible cantilevered arms 1058 b that are attached to the sidesof the free end of the central extension member and extend back towardthe base of the housing portion. Each of the flexible cantilevered arms1058 b has a protrusion 1058 c extending from its inward facing surfaceas shown in FIG. 16B. Each protrusion 1058 c is received in a depression1161 d formed in the outer housing 1161 of connection portion 1160 shownin FIG. 17B.

Each of the latch arms 1058 have a recessed channel formed adjacent tothe flange 1060 which is configured to closely fit the opening throughthe side wall 1014 of the telecommunication enclosure that defines port1020. When installed in the port, the side wall of the enclosure issecurely held within recessed channel 1059. During insertion into theport of the telecommunication enclosure, latch arms 1058 can flex inwardto allow the first end 1050 a of the optical coupling to pass throughthe opening in the side wall of the telecommunication enclosure untilflange 1060 abuts against the side wall of the enclosure releasing thepressure on the latch arms and allowing them to return to their originalposition, thus locking optical coupling 1050 in the port of thetelecommunication enclosure.

In an exemplary aspect, optical coupling 1050 can be at least partiallydisposed within the port (i.e. the first connector housing can disposedwithin the exterior section 1021 of the port 1020 and the secondconnector housing disposed within the interior of the telecommunicationenclosure as shown in FIG. 16C). Thus, the connection point between theoptical coupling and an optical connector installed therein is protectedby the external section of the port.

In an exemplary aspect, optical coupling 1050 can include a keying nub(not shown) to allow insertion of optical coupling into the port in aknown orientation, which can be advantageous when the first housing ofthe optical coupling resides within an exterior sleeve or section 1021the port 1020 which can limit visual verification that the opticalcoupling was properly installed in the port.

Referring to FIGS. 17A-17C, optical fiber connector 1100 is similar inmany respects to optical fiber connector 500 shown in FIGS. 11A-11C inthat connector 1100 utilizes a push to release mechanism for disengagingthe optical fiber connector from optical coupling 1050 shown in FIGS.16A-16C. Optical fiber connector 1100 is configured to mate with opticalcoupling 1050 shown in FIGS. 16A-16C. Optical fiber connector 1100includes an assembly base 1110, a strain relief assembly 1150 attachableto the second end of the assembly base and an optical connection portion1160 is attachable to the first end of the assembly base. The strainrelief assembly applies a radial force to the second end of the assemblybase compressing an internal sealing member 1170 to provide anenvironmental seal between the optical fiber connector 1100 and thetelecommunications cable to which it is connected. In addition, opticalconnector 1100 includes at least one engagement feature that isconfigured to secure the optical fiber connector within a port of atelecommunication enclosure.

Strain relief assembly 1150 includes a connection portion 1151 and acombined clamping portion 1153 and bend control boot 1155 that aremolded as a single unit, best shown in FIG. 17B. One advantage of strainrelief assembly 1150 (and also strain relief assembly 950 shown in FIGS.15A-15C) is that the connection portion is free to rotate with respectto the clamping portion allowing the connection portion to be tightenedor loosened without exerting and undue torsion on an optical fiber cablepassing therethrough. In addition, using a strain relied device wherethe connection portion is free to rotate with respect to the clampingportion may be useful when working with oval cables or cables having atleast one flat portion because the clamping portion can be aligned withthe appropriate side of the cable prior to tightening the connectionportion onto the body portion of the connector. In this embodiment (bestillustrated in FIGS. 17B and 17C), the clamping portion 1153 can includea lip 1153 c on its first end 1153 b wherein the outer circumference ofthe lip is larger than the circumference of the opening 1151 c at thesecond end 1151 b of the connection portion 1151. The cable clampingportion 1153 can further include an external thread 1153 a that isconfigured to mate with an internal thread 1159 a in the clamping collar1159. As the clamping collar is screwed onto the clamping portion, theclamping collar will push the clamping elements 1154 inward to grip thejacket of the telecommunication cable between the opposing clampingelements.

Assembly base 1110 includes a body portion 1120 having a first end 1121and a second end 1122 and a release portion 1130 disposed around andnear the first end of the body portion. The release portion defines arelease mechanism which moves the release portion relative to the bodyportion to disengage the at least one engagement feature when therelease portion moves with respect to the body portion so that theoptical fiber connector can be removed from the port of thetelecommunication enclosure. The body portion 1120 can have a generallytubular shape and includes an interior passageway 1123 that extendsalong the length of the body portion. The first end of the interiorpassageway is configured to accept and secure optical connection portion1160 to/in the first end of the body portion via a thread connection, aninterference fit, a bayonet connection, etc.

The body portion 1120 can have a groove formed in the external surfaceof the body portion to receive an intermediate sealing member 1173. Theintermediate sealing member can provide an environmental seal betweenthe body portion and release portion 1130 of assembly base 1110.

In addition, body portion 1120 can have an external connection portion1128 adjacent to the second end 1122 of the body portion. In theexemplary aspect shown in FIGS. 17A-17C, external connection portion1128 includes an external thread that cooperates with an internal thread(not shown) disposed within the connection portion 1151 of strain reliefassembly 1150. Tightening of the strain relief assembly onto the secondend of the body portion causes a compressible portion 1126 of the bodyportion to conform to an outer surface of the telecommunication cable oran internal sealing member 1170 fitted in the optical fiber connector.The compressible portion is formed at the second end of the bodyportion. The compressible portion can be reduced in size (diameter) whenan external radial force is exerted on it such as by application ofstrain relief assembly. The compressible portion can have a plurality ofspaced apart fingers extending from the main body near the second endthereof. In an exemplary aspect, the compressible portion can gave agenerally truncated conical shape with the interior of the connectionportion of the strain relief assembly having a corresponding shape tocause the spaced apart fingers to be squeezed together such that theyexert a compressive force around the cable and/or internal sealingmember seated in the interior passageway of the compression portion ofbody portion.

In addition, the body portion 1120 includes at least one stop 1129configured to control the degree of movement of the release portion 1130during the disengaging of optical fiber connector from optical coupling1050. Specifically, stop 1129 is configured to ride in a slot 1139within the interior passageway of release portion 1130 to limit thedegree of longitudinal travel of the release portion relative to thebody portion of optical connector 1100.

Release portion 1130 includes a tubular shell having an internal bore1133 that extends from a front edge 1131 to a rear end 1132 of therelease portion. The release portion is configured to be close fittingwith the port of a telecommunication enclosure into which the exemplaryoptical fiber connector will be inserted. The release portion can have agroove formed in the external surface of the release portion to receivean external sealing member 1175, such as an o-ring. This externalsealing member can provide an environmental seal between the assemblybase of the exemplary optical fiber connector and the port of atelecommunication enclosure into which the exemplary optical fiberconnector is inserted.

Release portion 1130 can include one or more alignment channels 1133 a,1133 b and/or release cams 1133 c, 1133 d as shown in FIG. 18. Thealignment channels can guide any latches 1057 and/or latch arms 1058 ofthe mating optical coupling 1050 (FIG. 16A) into proper position whenthe exemplary optical fiber connector 1100 is inserted into the opticalcoupling. The release cams aid in removal of the exemplary optical fiberconnector from the latches and/or latch arms of the optical couplingwhen the release portion is moved toward optical coupling 1050.

Optical connection portion 1160 includes an outer housing configured tomate with the backbone of a standard optical fiber connector. The outerhousing includes a plurality of engagement features formed therein, suchas windows 1161 c and depression 1161 d that are configured to engagewith latches 1057 and latch arms 1058 of optical coupling 1050,respectively.

In exemplary optical fiber connector 1100, the craftsman can simply pushthe release portion forward by hand or using a tool such as ascrewdriver inserted into notch 1138 formed in the second end of therelease portion. As the release portion moves forward as indicated bydirectional arrow 1191 causing latches 1057 of optical coupling 1050 toengage with cams 1133 c inside the release portion to disengage theprojection on the latches from the windows 1161 c in the outer housing161 of the connection portion 1160. Simultaneously, flexiblecantilevered arms 1058 b of latch arms 1058 engage with cams 1133 d todisengage the projections on the ends of the cantilevered arms from thedetent or depression 1161 d formed in the outer housing 1161 ofconnection portion 1160 in order to disengage the latch of opticalcoupling 1050. Once both the latches and latch arms have beendisengaged, optical fiber connector 1100 can be removed from opticalcoupling 1050 by the application of a moderate removal force.

The exemplary fiber optic connectors, described herein, illustrateseveral advantages over conventional hardened connectors. In each of theembodiments described above, the optical fiber/cable is securely heldwithin the body portion and/or by the strain relief assembly and is notdisturbed by activation of any of the release mechanisms describedherein. So even though there is relative motion between the body portionand the release portion of the assemble base to initiate disengaging theoptical fiber connector from the port of a telecommunication cable, thefiber/cable does not move relative to the body portion of the connector.In one aspect the exemplary optical fiber connector can be fieldterminated by utilizing a suitable field mountable optical connectionportion. In another aspect, the exemplary optical fiber connector can befactory mounted utilizing a factory mounted connection portion. Inaddition, the exemplary optical fiber connector can be assembled on theend of a pre-terminated cable by incorporating the pre-terminatedoptical connection structure into the exemplary optical fiber connectordisclosed herein.

Although specific embodiments have been illustrated and described hereinfor purposes of description of the preferred embodiment, it will beappreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art that a wide variety ofalternate or equivalent implementations may be substituted for thespecific embodiments shown and described without departing from thescope of the present invention. Those with skill in the art will readilyappreciate that the present invention may be implemented in a very widevariety of embodiments. This application is intended to cover anyadaptations or variations of the embodiments discussed herein.

We claim:
 1. A high retention force optical coupling configured to beinserted into a port of a telecommunication enclosure, the opticalcoupling comprising: a first connector housing configured to accept afirst optical fiber connector; a second connector housing configured toaccept a second optical fiber connector; and an alignment sleeveextending between the first and second housings along a central axis ofthe optical coupling, wherein the first connector housing includes fourseparate interconnection points to secure at least the first opticalfiber connector and the second optical fiber connector to the first orsecond connector housing, and wherein the four separate interconnectionpoints comprise a pair of latches disposed along two sides of the firstconnector housing and a pair of latch arms disposed along another twosides of the first connector housing.
 2. The optical coupling of claim1, wherein the pair of latches constitute two connection points betweenthe first optical fiber connector and the optical coupling and the pairof latch arms constitute two additional connection points between thefirst optical fiber connector and the optical coupling.
 3. The opticalcoupling of claim 1, further comprising a keying nub disposed on theoptical coupling to enable direct insertion of the optical coupling intothe port of the telecommunication enclosure in a known orientation. 4.The optical coupling of claim 1, further comprising a flange disposedbetween the first connector housing and the second connector housing,wherein the flange rests against edges of the port of thetelecommunication enclosure to prevent pulling the optical couplingthrough the port.
 5. The optical coupling of claim 1, further comprisinga flange disposed between the first connector housing and the secondconnector housing and wherein the latch arms of the first connectorhousing include a recessed channel disposed adjacent to the flangewherein the recessed channel is configured to secure the opticalcoupling into the port of the telecommunication enclosure via asnap-fit.
 6. The optical coupling of claim 1, wherein the first opticalconnector is a ruggedized optical connector that includes two pairs ofengagement features configured to mate with the four connection pointsof the optical coupling.